By definition, Oceanography (also known as Oceanology) is the branch of science that deals with the physical and biological properties and phenomena of the sea. Oceanography is divided into four separate but related branches: physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, marine geology (also known as Geological oceanography), and marine ecology (also known as Biological oceanography). Scientist who study the ocean are called Oceanographers. They are involved in the study of several aspects such as weather and climate changes happening in the ocean, studying marine life, mineral exploitation in the ocean, shipping, fisheries, and a much more. They collect samples, conduct surveys and analyze data from the sea.
Apart from working as researchers (in the industry or academia), there are several other employment opportunities for Oceanographers both in the public and private sectors. Companies involved in mining, oil refineries and rigs etc also hire oceanographers. In India, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts placement tests for employment with the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
How to become an Oceanographer
In India, only IIT Madras and Kharagpur offer Bachelors (BTech) courses in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering. All other universities offer only Masters and a doctoral level programs in oceanography. At a Masters level, universities offer courses such as M.Sc in Oceanography, MSc in Marine Biology, MTech in Ocean Engineering/Ocean Technology. At a Doctoral level, universities offer both M.Phil and PhD degrees.
Admission Criteria
Admission to MSc programs are open to BSc graduates from Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Botany, Earth Science, Physics or in other equivalent field. Admission to MTech programs are open to BTech graduates with a background in Civil Engineering or Environmental Sciences. For pursuing PhD one has to qualify either NET or GATE examination.
Institutes in India offering courses on Oceanography
- Indian Institute of Technology – Madras, Kharagpur
B Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
M Tech & PhD in Ocean Engineering
- Goa University
M.Sc. and PhD in Marine Science
- Alagappa University
M.Sc. Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies - Andhra University
M.Sc. (Oceanography – Physical and Chemical) - Annamalai University
Course: M.Sc. (Marine Biology and Oceanography) - Cochin University of Science and Technology
M.Sc. Oceanography, M.Sc. Marine Biology, M.Tech. Ocean Technology, M.Phil. Chemical Oceanography - Berhampur University
M.Sc. in Marine Biology/Oceanography - Mangalore University
M. Sc. in Marine Geology
If you are a BSc graduate curious about the ocean, then Oceanography is definitely an option for you.
In 2005 Jay Rege, along with his wife Jothsna Rege, co-founded Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to co-founding Academy One, he worked as a software developer with HCL Technologies. He holds a computer engineering degree from Mumbai University and a MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA. He has also been a visiting faculty at a few colleges where he teaches topics related to entrepreneurship.